How to connect WDTV HDMI output with Optoma Ep706 projector's VGA input?

[optomap]

Hi,

Basically Im in need of help as Ive got no clue how to connect my newly Western Digital TV Media Player (WDTV Media Player) with my Optoma Ep706 projector.

WDTV has got HDMI output capable of displaying all resolution till 1080p. Now my Optoma EP706 (datasheet link below) is Fully HDTV compatible (720p, 1080i) ... the only problem my Optoma projector hasnt got any HDMI input and accept all signals HDTV (YPbPr/YCbCr) signals through VGA input.

Now Ive got no idea how/whats the cheapest option available (wires/converter) to connect to my projector so I can see movies in 720p/1080i.

Optoma EP706 Specification Official Website link:
:: Welcome to OptomaUSA.com ::

Optoma Ep706 datasheet link:
http://www.optomausa.com/PDFs/datash..._Datasheet.pdf

Please help, waiting for your response.

[MrBoylan]

Originally Posted by optomap

Basically Im in need of help as Ive got no clue how to connect my newly Western Digital TV Media Player (WDTV Media Player) with my Optoma Ep706 projector.

WDTV has got HDMI output capable of displaying all resolution till 1080p. Now my Optoma EP706 (datasheet link below) is Fully HDTV compatible (720p, 1080i) ... the only problem my Optoma projector hasnt got any HDMI input and accept all signals HDTV (YPbPr/YCbCr) signals through VGA input.

Now Ive got no idea how/whats the cheapest option available (wires/converter) to connect to my projector so I can see movies in 720p/1080i.

There are no cables that will do what you need. You need an active box or converter that can electronically convert a digital HDMI or DVI signal to analog VGA output. The one I've repeatedly heard good things about is the HD Fury which sells for $200-$250:

HDfury web site

There is a cheaper option (also made by HD Fury), which goes from DVI-D to VGA (DVI-D is identical in format to the video portion of HDMI). This is more basic, but should do what you need. It sells for around $75:

HDFury DVI to VGA(RGB) Converter

If you get that, then the only other thing you need is a DVI to HDMI cable or a standard HDMI cable plus a DVI/HDMI adapter like this one:

Amazon.com: Eforcity HDMI-F to DVI-M Video Adaptor with Gold Contacts: Electronics

I've never used one of these but in theory it should do exactly what you need.

But honestly, instead of paying $75 to $200 for an adapter, you might be better off putting that money toward a new projector with HDMI inputs. Your projector is technically not high definition - its native resolution is 800x600 pixels which is higher resolution than DVD, but not high enough to qualify as HD (must be widescreen and 720p or higher in resolution to be HD). Yes it can *accept* a 720p or 1080i input, but it scales these signals down to the native 800x600 pixel resolution for display. Actually it's even lower resolution if you feed it widescreen 16:9 input as it won't use the whole panel.

Optoma just announced a 1080p projector for under a grand - the HD20. You might consider that if you're otherwise happy with your projector. It should blow doors on the EP706 with full 1920x1080 pixel resolution - that's over four times the detail of your current projector. Here's some info on it:

Optoma Announces $999 HD20 High-Def 1080p DLP Projector: BigPictureBigSound

Good luck!

-Chris

[optomap]

Thanks for your reply Chris,

I didnt know that and thanks for all the information and great deal of insight about projectors, Appreciate it.

Now this Optoma HD20 1080p projector with price tag of $999.00 sounds amazing and defi tempting but Im gonna wait till I get to know its Hz cuz end of this year new games are coming out for Xbox360/PS3 which are 3D stereoscopic and requires LCD or projector to be able to handle 120hz/120fps. Therefore what Im gonna do instead of shellin out on hdfury or its kind of stuff im gonna save up so eventually Ill buy projector 1080p with 120hz/fps V-sync capability that way Ill have my own IMAX 3d or Real-D kind of stuff at home.

Thanks again for all your help.